With the holidays around the corner, we must now factor weather conditions and other variables into the fantasy football season, which should be playoff time in most head-to-head leagues. With freezing conditions along with falling rain and snow in the forecast, there may be less points on the board and potentially decreased passing numbers in some contests.

In addition, injuries continue to pile along with the potential benching of key fantasy studs locked into their playoff seeding in the near future. With matchups over the next few weeks deciding the fate of your fantasy league's prized trophy, take a dive with me we prep for Week 15. If you listened to me last week, you started Seattle's defense that earned owners around 41 points in most leagues!

QB Andy Dalton - Although it will be chilly for Week 15's first game on Thursday, the weather will be favorable in comparison with other outdoor stadiums. With questions regarding the status of several quarterbacks up in the air this weekend, Dalton is a safe bet for a strong performance. His home and away numbers are very similar as he prepares for the Philadelphia Eagles, who have allowed multi-touchdown games to opposing quarterbacks for seven straight weeks. This will be a make-or-break game for Cincinnati, who still has a shot at making the playoffs. Look for a strong performance from Dalton.

Week 15 forecast: 225 passing yards, 2 TD

RB Reggie Bush - After a dynamic start, Bush cooled down mid-season with decreased production and a shared workload with Daniel Thomas. The Miami running back has experienced a slight resurgence and earned 65 rushing yards and 38 receiving yards off of seven targets in Week 14. Although he did not find the end zone, Bush did break the 100 total yards mark for the first time since Week 2. With weather as a non-factor and a matchup against the New Orleans Saints, who have allowed more rushing yards, receiving yards and overall points to opposing running backs, Bush should have a huge performance this weekend.

Week 15 forecast: 110 total yards, TD

WR Josh Gordon - It is difficult to remember when a Cleveland Browns receiver was considered a "must-start." Gordon has been relatively consistent and even heating up during the Browns' recent win streak. He is averaging more than 100 yards over his last two games and was targeted 12 times last weekend. Gordon will be a heavy contributor to fantasy teams with a matchup against the Washington Redskins, who have allowed the second most points to opposing wide receivers.

Week 15 forecast: 100 yards, TD

TE Brandon Pettigrew - How can you not pick a player to start against the Arizona Cardinals, who just allowed 58 points? Without Ryan Broyles or Titus Young in the receiving corps, Pettigrew should receive increased targets along with Calvin Johnson. Pettigrew did suffer a mild ankle sprain against Green Bay so continue to monitor his status. Assuming he suits up for Sunday's tilt against Arizona, he will play against a defense that has surrendered touchdowns to opposing tight ends in three straight weeks and allowed an average of 76 receiving yards, during that span. In addition, weather will not play a factor. Tony Scheffler will be a valuable add if Pettigrew is sidelined.

Week 15 forecast - 75 yards, TD

D/ST Cincinnati Bengals - Although the Bengals lost a heartbreaker in Week 14, their defense has been playing exceptionally well and is tied with San Francisco for most sacks over the last month. Without Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson and likely LeSean McCoy, the high-flying Eagles' offense will be hovering much closer to the ground.